Switzerland 0-0 France: Switzerland join France in last sixteen

(R-L) Laurent Koscielny of France and Breel Embolo of Switzerland during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group A match between Switzerland and France at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on June 19, 2016 in Lille, France. (Photo by Dave Winter/Icon Sport)

By Andy Hyslop

Switzerland join France in last sixteen with draw

Martial was an unused substitute for France

Switzerland and France played out a goalless draw that confirmed Switzerland’s place in the last sixteen and confirm France as winners of Group A.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba was recalled to the starting line-up as Didier Deschamps made five changes. Pogba looked the most dangerous player in the first-half; striking the woodwork twice.

Switzerland enjoyed 58% of the possession in the game but failed to muster a serious attempt on the French goal.

Payet was introduced as a second-half substitute and the West Ham man came close to scoring his third goal of the tournament as he volleyed a Sissoko cross against the crossbar.

How Group A finished

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Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

G

P

1

France

3

2

1

0

4

1

3

7

2

Switzerland

3

1

2

0

2

1

1

5

3

Albania

3

1

0

2

1

3

-2

3

4

Romania

3

0

1

2

2

4

-2

1

After the three group games, France finish top of the group on seven points, while Switzerland qualify second with five points.

Albania beat Romania 1-0 to finish third in the group on three points. The Albanians will have to wait to see if they finish as one four best third placed teams.

In the last sixteen, France will face the third place team from Group C,D or E in Lyon on Sunday. Potential opponents for France are Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Sweden or Czech Republic.

While Switzerland will face the runners in Group C in Saint-Etienne on Saturday. Poland are currently second in Group C but depending on the final results the Swiss could face Poland, Germany or Northern Ireland.

Does Deschamps know his best XI?

French coach Didier Deschamps has made changes to his starting eleven in all the group games. He made five changes last night to the team that started against Albania.

Having made a number of changes for the Albania game. Dropping both Pogba and Griezmann to the bench for the Albania game.

Pogba and Griezmann both came on in that game and made an impact and returned to the starting eleven against Switzerland.

It’s anyone’s guess as to what his starting line-up will be when the French line-up for last sixteen tie on Sunday.